Winter Weather
Be Prepared Before, During and After Winter Storms
Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind driven snow that lasts for several days. Some winter storms are large enough to affect several states, while others affect only a single community. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes by strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing rain.
Click here to read the Winter Storm Safety Checklist
Click here to read the Power Outage Checklist
Click here to read about Frostbite and Hypothermia
Know the Difference
Winter Storm Outlook
Winter storm conditions are possible in the next 2 to 5 days.
Winter Weather Advisory
Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life threatening.
Winter Storm Watch
Winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions
Stay Warm in Frigid Temperatures
Heat Your Home Safely
All heaters need space! Keep things that can burn, such as paper, bedding or furniture, at least 3 feet away from heating equipment, fireplaces and stoves.
Place portable space heaters on a hard, level, nonflammable surface. Do not put space heaters on rugs or carpets, near bedding or drapes, and keep children and pets away. Look for a model that shuts off automatically if the space heater tips over. Do not use heating equipment to dry wet clothing.
Never use the stove or oven to heat your home.
Never leave portable heaters, wood burning stoves or fireplaces unattended. Turn them off before leaving or going to bed.
Keep the fire in the fireplace by using a glass or metal screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.
Cut Down on Your Heating Bills
Eliminate drafts. Use either insulating tape or caulking strips to surround windows and door moldings. Cover your windows with plastic sheeting. If you have storm windows or storm doors, get them up to keep the cold out.
Make sure heat vents aren’t blocked by furniture.
Turn down the thermostat.
Close off any rooms that aren’t in use and close heat vents or turn off radiators in those rooms.
Insulate your light switch and outlet plates with foam pads. Cold air can seep into the house through them.
Use heavy curtains to keep cold air out. Open them during the day to let the sun help warm your home and close them at night. Use fabric snakes or old carpets in front of windows and doors to help eliminate drafts.
Turn off vent fans in the kitchen and bathroom when they are no longer needed.
Set ceiling fans to blow air down.
Don't Forget Pets and Neighbors
Dress in several layers of lightweight clothing. Don’t forget gloves or mittens, and a hat, preferably one that covers your ears.
Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep feet warm and dry and to maintain footing in ice and snow.
Don’t forget pets – bring them indoors. If that’s not possible, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure they can get to unfrozen water.
Check on people who require special assistance such as elderly people living alone, people with disabilities and children.
Winter Travel
When Weather Becomes Severe, Stay Home. If You Must Drive, Be Prepared.
Assemble a disaster supplies kit for your car:
Keep gas tank full & extra supply of other vehicle fluids
Blankets or sleeping bags
Extra warm and protective clothing, including dry boots
Water and nonperishable food, such as energy bars
Portable radio, flashlight, and extra batteries
Flares and reflective triangles
Large brightly colored piece of cloth
Kitty litter or sand
First aid kit
Ice scrapper
Shovel
Jumper cables
Cell phone charger
Map of area
Candle & matches
If you become stuck in your car during a winter storm:
Stay with your car. Don’t try to walk to safety.
Tie a brightly colored cloth to the car where others can see.
Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear.
Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so you can be seen.
As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to stay warm.
Keep one window slightly open, away from the blowing wind, to let in air.
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